Wellness in Nepal: the complete guide
For centuries, pilgrims, monks and seekers have come to the Himalaya to find peace. Today Nepal is one of the most rewarding places in the world for a wellness or spiritual journey: meditation courses in Buddhist monasteries, yoga by the lake in Pokhara, traditional Ayurvedic treatments, singing bowl sessions, natural hot springs on the trekking trails and pilgrimages to sacred sites such as Lumbini, Muktinath and Pashupatinath.
This guide introduces the main kinds of wellness travel in Nepal and how to plan a restorative trip.
Why Nepal for wellness?
Nepal is the birthplace of the Buddha and home to some of the holiest Hindu temples. Its monasteries, ashrams and retreat centres have long welcomed visitors, and the mountains themselves seem to slow people down. A wellness trip here can be as simple as a week of yoga with Himalayan views or as deep as a month-long meditation course, and combines naturally with gentle trekking and cultural visits.
Meditation
Learn meditation at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery such as Kopan above Kathmandu, or sit a silent 10-day Vipassana course near Budhanilkantha. In Lumbini, several international monasteries offer meditation in the place where the Buddha was born. See meditation in Nepal.
Yoga
Pokhara is Nepal's yoga capital, with retreat centres by Phewa Lake and on the hills above it. Our Pokhara yoga retreat includes twice-daily yoga, meditation, healthy vegetarian meals and gentle excursions. Read our yoga and meditation retreats guide.
Ayurveda and traditional healing
Ayurveda, the traditional South Asian system of health, has deep roots in Nepal. At wellness centres you can enjoy a consultation, warm oil massage and herbal treatments, or a full Panchakarma programme. In the hills, the traditions of the dhami and jhankri (shamans) are part of Nepal's living heritage. These are traditional practices and not a substitute for medical care.
Sound meditation
The deep, lingering tones of Himalayan singing bowls are used in relaxing sound meditation sessions in Kathmandu, Boudhanath and Pokhara.
Natural hot springs
After days on the trail, soak your muscles in a natural hot spring, such as Tatopani in Myagdi or the riverside pools at Jhinu Danda on the Annapurna Base Camp trek. See hot springs in Nepal.
Pilgrimage
Join Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims at Pashupatinath, Muktinath, Lumbini, Janakpur and Halesi. See our pilgrimage tours, including the Muktinath pilgrimage tour and Lumbini pilgrimage tour.
Combining wellness with trekking
A retreat is a perfect way to prepare for a trek or to recover afterwards. Many guests spend a few days of yoga in Pokhara before an Annapurna trek, or finish their trip with massage and meditation in Kathmandu.
Best time
Retreats run all year. October–May has the best mountain views; the monsoon months are quiet, green and good for indoor practice.
Practical tips
- Book monastery courses and Vipassana places well in advance.
- Bring modest, comfortable clothing for practice and temple visits.
- Tell teachers and practitioners about injuries or health conditions.
- Many monasteries ask you to follow simple rules, such as silence or no alcohol, during courses.
Book a wellness trip with Himalayan Hiking
Tell us what you are looking for, from a weekend of rest to a month of practice, and we will match you with the right retreat or programme. Contact us to begin.